October 2012 SJRWMD Update

As part of its work to protect water resources, the St. Johns River
Water Management District has purchased land over the past 35 years
that provides a variety of public benefits. Under Florida law, water
management districts are authorized to buy land for several purposes,
including flood control, conservation and the protection of water
resources. The District owns approximately 600,000 acres of land
throughout its 18-county service area.

To examine whether the agency’s goals continue to be achieved, the
District in December 2011 began a comprehensive evaluation of
District-owned lands. As part of the assessment process, staff are
evaluating every acre of property to examine the need for conservation
purposes.

The evaluation will determine if any properties, or portions of these
tracts, should be identified as surplus lands, or if portions of any
properties should be considered for alternative uses.

Sometimes, negotiations between the District and a seller may have
resulted in the inclusion of acreage that has minimal water resource
value or is in a condition or location that is difficult and/or
expensive to manage as conservation lands. The District occasionally,
though infrequently, may dispose of such lands as surplus property
rather than spend taxpayer funds to manage them.

The evaluation process includes numerous opportunities for public
participation. Informational public meetings were held during summer
2012 and public comment was received during those meetings. Additional
meetings will be scheduled for fall 2012. Also, an online comment form is available for individuals who wish to comment in writing about a specific property or the evaluation process.

Some District-owned lands are project sites for water resource
development; some are sites for water control projects. Properties
range from wetlands and historically wet areas to dry upland areas.
Virtually all District properties are open to the public for recreation
that is compatible with conservation goals.

The evaluation process will be completed and a list of any surplus
properties identified will be developed in fall 2012 for District
Governing Board consideration on Dec. 11, 2012. Disposing of surplus
lands requires a two-thirds vote of the District’s Governing Board.